Method for isolating CEA-binding protein

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are methods of isolating a protein which binds carcinoembryonic antigen. These methods include the following steps. A biological sample containing carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and a CEA-binding protein (CBP) is provided and contacted with a divalent cation at a concentration and for a time sufficient to allow the binding of the CBP to CEA, thereby forming a CBP-CEA conjugate. The sample is then contacted with an adsorbent that binds CEA for a time sufficient to allow adsorbance to the adsorbent. Portions of the sample not adsorbed are removed. The CBP is then disassociated from the conjugate and is collected.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to applicants' copending patent applications Ser. No. 708,888, entitled "CEA-Binding Protein and Uses Thereof", and Ser. No. 710,386, entitled "Binding Protein for CEA and Uses Thereof", both filed on even date herewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment, and more particularly to methods of detecting and treating carcinoma that elicit carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). In particular, this invention relates to the identification of new cancer markers, CEA binding proteins, and methods of isolating such CEA-binding proteins, antibodies specific for these proteins, as well as methods useful in the diagnosis, detection, and monitoring of carcinoma.

Colorectal carcinoma is a cancer which affects approximately 600,000 additional people worldwide per year. The prognosis is poor in about 50% of the cases because the tumor is often not detected until the disease has spread and has reached a terminal stage. Early diagnosis is important to increase chances of arresting the carcinoma before it metastasizes, thereby leading to an improved prognosis.

A widely used method of the identification of cancerous tissue is to determine its structural resemblance to fetal or immature tissue. In this way, tumors can be classified depending on the degree of cellular differentiation; they can be undifferentiated, poorly differentiated, moderately differentiated or well differentiated. In addition, the behavior of a given tumor can often be related to its degree of differentiation. For example, poorly differentiated tumors tend to grow more rapidly and metastasize earlier than do differentiated tumors which more closely resemble the tissue of origin. Poorly differentiated tumors tend to have a poor prognosis and are difficult to detect.

One method of early tumor diagnosis is detection of the presence of a marker or antigen specific for a particular tumor. These normally proteinaceous markers are synthesized by the tumor, and may be found in the serum and/or on the surface of the tumor. Only a limited number of tumor markers for colorectal carcinoma have thus far been found to have clinical use. These include CEA and the sialyated Lewis a antigen (CA 19.9). Unfortunately, approximately 40% of patients whose condition has been accurately diagnosed as colorectal carcinoma do not have elevated plasma levels of either of these antigens when initially examined. In the case of CEA, this may be because this antigen is so rapidly cleared from the circulation. Recently, however, two new cancer markers, the carcinoma orosomucoid-related antigen (CORA) (U.S. Pat. No. 4,914,021) and the and the CC-glycoprotein (U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,789) have been discovered by applicants. However, there is no commercially available serodiagnostic marker which can be used to detect the tumor and to monitor therapy for this group.

Production of some tumor markers e.g., CEA and CA 19.9, by tumor cells in vitro correlates with a greater degree of cellular differentiation. For example, CEA and CA 19.9 are present to a far lesser degree on poorly differentiated or undifferentiated cancer cells than on those which are more differentiated. Accordingly, many patients with undifferentiated colorectal carcinomas never develop elevated serum levels of either of these markers, even in the terminal stages of the cancer. There is also considerable overlap between the presence of CA 19.9 and CEA, the patient with a normal CEA level and an elevated level of CA 19.9 being the exception rather than the rule. Therefore, new markers suitable for identifying and monitoring undifferentiated tumors would be of great value.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide new markers for the detection of carcinoma.

It is another object of the invention to provide new markers suitable for diagnosing and monitoring, and treatment of carcinoma.

Yet another object is to provide antibodies specific for these new markers.

Still another object is to provide a method of isolating CEA-binding proteins that eliminates contamination by CEA.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method and kit for the detection and monitoring of carcinoma in patients using antibodies specific for markers on carcinoma cells.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a hybridoma which produces a monoclonal antibody that recognizes both undifferentiated and poorly differentiated carcinoma cells.

A still further object is to provide screening procedures for detecting the presence of carcinoma cells at all stages of differentiation.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the description, drawing and claims which follow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

New tumor markers for carcinoma have been discovered which have the ability to bind CEA. These markers include two CEA-binding proteins (CBPs) having molecular weights of about 20,000 daltons (20 kD) and about 21 kD as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and binding CEA in vitro in the presence of a divalent cation. The 20 kD protein includes the amino acid sequence set forth in the Sequence Listing as SEQ ID NO:4. The 21 kD protein is glycosylated and includes the amino acid sequence set forth in the Sequence Listing as SEQ ID NO:2.

This invention also encompasses CEA-binding fragments of these tumor markers. The term "CEA-binding protein" or "CBP" is used herein to describe both proteins and fragments thereof which bind CEA.

In one embodiment of the invention, the 20 kD or 21 kD CBP further includes a label, such as one selected from the group consisting of radioactive isotopes, enzymes, stable free radicals, coenzymes, fluorescent groups, chemiluminescent groups, toxins, and colorimetric groups. In another embodiment, the 20 kD or 21 kD CBP is bound to a support which forms a device useful, for example, in purifying CEA.

In yet another embodiment, antibodies and binding fragments thereof specific for a CBP are provided. Preferably, the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. The antibody can form part of a kit for screening a patient for carcinoma. This kit further includes an antibody specific for a carcinoma marker selected from the group consisting of carcinoma orosomucoid-related antigen (CORA), the CC glycoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA 19.9, non-specific cross-reacting antigen (NCA), and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), serum amyloid P Protein (SAP), and C-reactive protein (CRP).

The invention also provides methods of isolating and using CBPs. More specifically, a method of isolating a CBP, such as the 20 kD, the 21 kD, or any CBP that binds CEA in vitro in the presence of a divalent cation, is provided which includes the following steps. A biological sample containing CEA and a CBP is provided. The biological sample may be ascites fluid, whole blood, serum, bile, saliva, sputum, lymphoid tissue, or tumor tissue obtained from a subject afflicted with carcinoma. This sample is contacted with a divalent cation, such as Ca⁺², Zn⁺², or Mg⁺², at a concentration and for a time sufficient to enable the CBP to bind to CEA, thereby forming a CBP-CEA conjugate. The sample is contacted with an adsorbent that binds CEA, such as an immobilized immunoadsorbent including an antibody to CEA, for a time sufficient to allow the conjugate to adsorb to the adsorbent. Portions of the sample which have not adsorbed to the adsorbent are removed. The CBP is then dissociated from the adsorbent-bound conjugate. Dissociation can be accomplished with the use of an agent that chelates divalent cations such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or ethylene glycol-bis[β-aminoethyl ether]-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA). The dissociated CBP is then collected, for example, by executing a purification method such as high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), SDS-PAGE, affinity chromatography, exclusion chromatography, ammonium sulfate precipitation, ultracentrifugation, and/or isoelectric focusing. For samples which do not contain CEA, CBP can be isolated by added CEA to the sample, or by reading the sample with CEA immobilized on a solid support in the presence of a divalent cation.

A method of detecting carcinoma is provided which includes the following steps. A Pharmaceutical formulation including the 20 kD or 21 kD CBP, or CEA-binding fragments thereof, is administered in a physiologically acceptable carrier to the subject. A biological sample is taken and the concentration of CEA assayed for CEA. The concentration of CEA is then compared with a predetermined threshold level of CEA indicative of the presence of carcinoma.

Another aspect of the invention includes a method of screening for carcinoma including subjecting a biological sample from a subject to a test, such as an immunoassay, indicating the presence of a cancer marker, and screening the sample for the presence of a CBP, its presence being indicative of the presence of carcinoma.

Other embodiments of the invention include assay formats detecting CEA in a body fluid by adsorbing CBP to a support (such as a microtiter plate, for example) treating the body fluid to be screen with divalent cation, adding the treated body fluid to the CBP-bound plate, and then quantitating the bound CEA with labelled anti-CEA antibody. Alternatively, anti-CEA antibody can be adsorbed to the support which is then treated with the body sample in the presence of divalent cation. The presence of complexed CEA (or CBP to which the CEA in the body sample is complexed in the presence of divalent cation) can then be detected by treatment with labelled anti-CBP antibody. CBPs free in body samples can be detected by adsorbing CEA to a support, and then treating the support with the body sample in the presence of divalent cation.

Also provided is a method of treating carcinoma. This method includes providing a CBP and administering it in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a subject afflicted with carcinoma. The CBP binds CEA present in the subject, thereby inhibiting the metastatic proliferation of carcinoma cells which occurs as a result of CEA binding to CEA receptors on various organs. The provision of the CBP can be accomplished by recombinant DNA technology, automated or manual biochemical peptide synthesis, or by purification from a subject inflicted with carcinoma.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The foregoing and other objects of this invention, the various features thereof, as well as the invention itself may be more fully understood from the following description when read together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the CBP purification scheme of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a photographic representation of a stained transfer blot of an SDS gel showing the 20 kD and 21 kD CBPs (lane 3), alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (lanes 1 and 4), column wash (lane 2), and human serum albumin (lane 5);

FIG. 3(A)-(D) is an optical scan of an HPLC of (A) CEA, (B) CBP 41 kD complex, (C) CEA+CBP in the presence of CaCl₂, and (D) CEA+CBP in the presence of EDTA;

FIG. 4(A)-(B) is an optical scan of an HPLC of (A) alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP)+CEA in the presence of EDTA, and (B) CEA+CBP in the presence of CaCl₂ ;

FIG. 5 is a comparison of the amino acid sequences of C-reactive protein and the 20 kD and 21 kD CBPs; and

FIG. 6 is a comparison of the amino acid sequences of serum amyloid P protein and the 20 kD and 21 kD CBPs.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Proteins that influence the concentration of CEA in the blood have been isolated from patients afflicted with carcinoma. These CEA-binding proteins are also markers for carcinoma, and as such are useful in the detection and treatment of carcinoma.

The CBPs have been isolated using a purification method which virtually eliminates contamination by CEA. This procedure is schematically represented in FIG. 1. A biological sample containing CEA and CBP is provided. The biological sample may be ascites fluid, whole blood, serum, bile, saliva, sputum, lymphoid tissue, or tumor tissue obtained from a subject afflicted with carcinoma. This sample is contacted with a divalent cation, such as Ca⁺², Zn⁺², or Mg⁺², at a concentration and for a time sufficient to enable the CBP to bind to CEA, thereby forming a CBP-CEA conjugate. The sample is contacted with an adsorbent that binds CEA, such as an immobilized immunoadsorbent including an antibody to CEA, for a time sufficient to allow the conjugate to adsorb to the adsorbent. Portions of the sample which have not adsorbed to the adsorbent are removed. The CBP is then dissociated from the adsorbent-bound conjugate. Dissociation can be accomplished with the use of an agent that chelates divalent cations such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or ethylene glycol-bis[β-aminoethyl ether]-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA). The dissociated CBP is then collected, for example, by executing a purification method such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), SDS-PAGE, affinity chromatography, exclusion chromatography, ammonium sulfate precipitation, ultracentrifugation, and/or isoelectric focusing.

The instant purification procedure does not depend on the size of the binding protein, a particularly important point since CBPs isolated by this method have a molecular weight (by HPLC) similar to that of alpha-1 acid gylcoprotein (AGP). The procedure is ligand-specific, and thus any proteins that may bind to CEA nonspecifically or which require some other binding factors will not contaminate the product. Any contaminates are removed during the washing or will remain bound to CEA after the EDTA elution. This method also provides an effective way to isolate CBPs from CEA to which they have bound. Because CEA is a large molecule and very immunogenic, it is important to remove it from the CBP isolate if antibodies to these CBPs are to be prepared from the isolate.

Using this method, two CBPs were isolated, one having a molecular weight of 20 kD and one glycoprotein having a molecular weight of 21 kD, as shown in FIG. 2, lane 3, of a stained transfer blot of an SDS-PA gel. These molecular weights differ from those of other known CEA binding proteins such as the 46-50 kD carcinoma orosomucoid-related antigen (CORA) (described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,914,021), and also differ from the 41 kD alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) which does not bind CEA.

The physical properties of the 20 kD and 21 kD CBPs, as well as the degree of purity after isolation, were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). FIGS. 3A-3D show that the proteins isolated have a collective molecular weight of 41 kD (FIG. 3B). The appearance of a single peak with a retention time of about 8.5 min and the absence of a peak at about 9.4 min suggests the formation of a complex between CEA and CBP in the presence of calcium ions (FIG. 3C). However, in the presence of a calcium chelator like EDTA for example, two peaks with retention times similar to that of CEA (FIG. 3A) and that of the uncomplexed CBPs (FIG. 3B) were observed (FIG. 3D), indicating that these CBPs do not bind CEA in the absence of calcium.

These isolated CBPs were further distinguished from AGP by HPLC. Like the CBPs, AGP does not bind CEA in the absence of calcium (presence of EDTA) (FIG. 4A). However, unlike the CBPs, AGP does not bind CEA in the presence of calcium ions (FIG. 4B). These CBPs have also been distinguished from CRP and SAP by isoelectric focusing.

A partial sequence of the 20 kD and 21 kD CBPs was obtained and is set forth in the Sequence Listing as SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:4, respectively. These partial sequences were found to have no homology with CEA or AGP. However, some sequence homology was found with the serum amyloid P protein (SAP) (FIG. 5), and with the C-reactive protein (CRP) (FIG. 6). These sequence analyses were performed using the Wisconsin Program Protein Data Base (Genetics Computer Group, University of Wisconsin Biotechnology Center, 1710 University Avenue, Madison, Wis. 53705).

SAP is a normal plasma component. It is an α-1 glycoprotein composed of ten 23-25.5 kD subunits non-covalently linked as a double pentamer. The serum level of SAP in patients with various clinical types of amyloidosis, connective tissue diseases, and bacterial pneumonia does not differ significantly from normal values. Likewise, the serum level of patients with carcinoma of the colon do not differ from healthy individuals in the serum level of SAP (Levo et al. (1982) J. Immunol. Meth. 50:17-31). However, patients with carcinoma of the breast do have significantly increased serum concentrations of SAP which correlate with the severity of the disease (Levo et al. (Scand. J. Immunol. (1986) 24:147-151).

CRP, a dipentamer of 21 kD subunits, has a strong sequence homolgy with SAP. Both proteins undergo calcium-dependent ligand binding, are composed of non-covalently linked subunits, and share a similar pentagonal disc-like molecular form (Pepys (1982) Eur. J. Rheumatol. Inflamm. 5:386). In addition, they share at least about 60% homology of amino acid sequence. However, unlike SAP, CRP is an acute phase reactant in humans. Its concentration rises rapidly following acute tissue injury, infection, or inflammation, and it is often persistently elevated in cases of malignant neoplasia.

The sequence homology between the 20 kD and 21 kD CBPs, and CRP and SAP, respectively, raises the possibility that these proteins are related in structure and/or function as cancer markers.

Among the uses of the 20 kD and 21 kD CBPs are methods of detecting and treating carcinoma. The method of detection involves the administration to the subject of a pharmaceutical formulation including the 20 kD or 21 kD CBP, or CEA-binding fragments thereof, in a physiologically acceptable carrier. A biological sample is then taken. This sample may be ascites fluid, whole blood, serum, bile, saliva, sputum, lymphoid tissue, or tumor tissue. The concentration of CEA in this sample is measured. This measurement can be accomplished by any number of known tests for CEA including an immunoassay (e.g., Roche ELISA, Hoffman-La Roche, Nutley, N.J.) activity assay, immunoassay, quantitative electrophoresis, and the like. The concentration of CEA in the biological sample is then compared with a predetermined threshold level of CEA indicative of carcinoma. This threshold CEA concentration can be determined by administering a CBP to two statistically significant groups of people, one with carcinoma, and one that is disease-free. By way of example, the value of the threshold level may be the point at which the measured CEA concentration curves of these two groups intersect.

CBPs may also be used in the treatment of carcinoma as follows. A CBP is administered in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a subject afflicted with carcinoma. The CBP binds CEA present in the subject, thereby inhibiting the metastatic proliferation of carcinoma cells which occurs as a result of CEA binding to CEA receptors on various organs (see, e.g., Toth et al. (1985) Cancer Res. 45:342-397; Toth et al. (1988) Biochem. Soc. Trans. 16:1027-1028; Toth et al. (1989) J. Leukocyte Biol. 45:370-376; and Hostetter et al. (1990) J. Natl. Cancer Insti. 82:380-385). The concentration of calcium in various body tissues is high enough to enable efficient binding.

The provision of a CBP in both methods of use can be accomplished by purification from a subject inflicted with carcinoma. Alternatively, given the sequence of these proteins isolated from body tissues, the CBPs may be prepared by recombinant DNA technology (see. e.g., Maniatis et al., Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual (1982) Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.), or by automated or manual biochemical peptide synthesis.

Effective dosages of the CBPs and modes of their administration in the detection and treatment of carcinoma can be determined by routine experimentation. The pharmaceutical formulation suitable for injectable use include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersions. In all cases the formulation must be sterile and must be fluid to the extent that easy syringability exists. It must be stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage and may be preserved against the contaminating action of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. The carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), suitable mixtures thereof, and vegetable oils. The proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating, such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants. The prevention of the action of microorganisms can be brought about by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like. In some cases, it may be preferable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars or sodium chloride. Prolonged absorption of the injectable CBPs can be brought about by the use in the compositions of agents delaying absorption.

Sterile injectable solutions are prepared by incorporating the CBPs in the required amount in the appropriate solvent with various of the other ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization. Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the various sterilized active ingredients into a sterile vehicle which contains the basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum-drying and freeze-drying techniques which yield a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from previously sterile-filtered solution thereof.

The CBP may be administered parenterally or intraperitoneally. Solutions of the CBP as pharmacologically acceptable salts can be prepared in water suitably mixed with a surfactant, such as hydroxypropylcellulose. Dispersions can also be prepared in glycerol, liquid polyethylene glycols, and mixtures thereof and in oils. Under ordinary conditions of storage and use, these preparations contain a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

The CBP also may be orally administered, for example, with an inert diluent or with an assimilable edible carrier, or enclosed in hard or soft shell gelatin capsules, or they may be compressed into tablets, or incorporated directly with the food of the diet. For oral administration, the CBP may be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of ingestible tablets, buccal tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs, suspension syrups, wafers, and the like. Such compositions and preparations should contain at least 0.1% of the CBP. The percentage of the compositions and preparations may, of course, be varied. The amount of CBP in such useful compositions is such that a suitable dosage will be obtained.

The tablets, troches, pills, capsules and the like may also contain the following: excipients, such as dicalcium phosphate; a disintegrating agent; and a sweetening agent, such as sucrose, lactose or saccharin may be added or a flavoring agent, such as peppermint, oil of wintergreen, or cherry flavoring. When the dosage unit form is a capsule, it may contain, in addition to materials of the above type, a liquid carrier. Various other materials may be present as coatings or to otherwise modify the physical form of the dosage unit. For instance, tablets, pills, or capsules may be coated with shellac, sugar, or both. A syrup or elixir may contain the active compounds sucrose as a sweetening agent, methyl and propylparabens as preservatives, a dye and flavoring, such as cherry or orange flavor. Of course, any material used in preparing any dosage unit form should be pharmaceutically pure and substantially non-toxic in the amounts employed. In addition, the CBP may be incorporated into sustained-release preparations and formulations.

As used herein, "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" includes any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents and the like. The use of such media and agents for Pharmaceutically active substances is well known in the art. Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the active ingredient, its use in the therapeutic compositions is contemplated. Supplementary active ingredients can also be incorporated into the compositions.

Antibodies to the 20 kD and 21 kD proteins are also provided by the invention. Such antibodies can be easily produced by one with ordinary skill in the art. For example, a purified CBP isolate from a subject afflicted with carcinoma as an antigen can be used as an antigen. Mice, goats, rabbits, or other animals can be challenged by injection with a solution of such an isolate emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant at weekly intervals. After the initial injection, the booster injections can be administered without adjuvant or emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Alternatively, synthetic or genetically engineered analogs or fragments of the CBP produced by recombinant DNA or biochemical techniques can be used as immunogens. An innoculum containing a relatively pure CBP sample isolated as described above along with Freund's adjuvent can be injected into a rabbit, mouse, rat, goat, or any mammal to produced monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies to a CBP or active binding fragments of such antibodies can be generated by applying generally known cell fusion techniques (cf. Kohler and Milstein (1976) Eur. J. Immunol. 6:511-519; and M. Shulman et al. (1978) Nature 276:269-270, herein incorporated by reference) to obtain a hybridoma producing the monoclonal antibody. Optionally, the monoclonal antibody may be subjected to proteolysis to obtain an active Fab, F(ab')₂, or Fv fragment.

More specifically, monoclonal antibodies are prepared by obtaining mammalian lymphocytes (preferably spleen cells), committing the lymphocytes to produce antibodies (e.g., by immunizing the mammal with the particular antigenic determinant of interest beforehand), fusing the lymphocytes with myeloma (or other immortal) cells to form hybrid cells, and then culturing a selected hybrid cell colony in vivo or in vitro to yield antibodies which are identical in structure and specificity.

In particular, monoclonal antibodies to a CBP can be raised by employing a purified CBP isolate from a subject afflicted with carcinoma as an antigen. Mice or other animals can be challenged by injection with a solution of such whole cells emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant at weekly intervals. After the initial injection, the booster injections can be administered without adjuvant or emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Alternatively, synthetic or genetically engineered analogs or fragments of the CBP produced by recombinant DNA or biochemical techniques can be used as immunogens.

Serum samples from the immunized animal can be analyzed by an enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay ("ELISA") or the like for antibody reaction with the immunization agent. Animals that exhibit antibodies titers are sacrificed and their spleens homogenized. Alternatively, the spleen cells can be extracted and the antibody-secreting cells expanded in vitro by culturing with a nutrient medium. The spleen cells are then fused with myeloma (or other immortal) cells by the above-referenced procedure of Kohler and Milstein. The hybridomas so produced are screened (i.e., cloned by the limiting dilution procedure of the above-referenced Baker et al. article) to select a cell line producing antibodies which react with human α chain receptor proteins.

Large scale antibody production can be obtained from such anti-CBP-producing cell lines by various techniques, including the induction of ascites tumors (e.g., after priming with pristane) and the purification of such antibodies from the ascites fluid by Protein A-Sepharose affinity chromotography. For a further description of general hybridoma production methods, see Oi and Herzenberg, "Immunoglobulin-Producing Hybrid Cell Lines" in Selected Methods in Cellular Immunology (Mishell and Shiigi, Ed., W. H. Freeman & Co., 1980); and Scearce and Eisenbarth (1983) Meth. Enzymol. 103:459-469; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,411,933 issued to Gillis on Oct. 25, 1986, herein incorporated by reference.

Human antibodies (i.e., those obtained from human-human or human-animal hybridoma) can be used as well as animal antibodies. For descriptions of human hybridoma production techniques, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,451,570 issued to Royston et al. on May 29, 1984; U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,694 issued to Lazarus et al. on Jul. 16, 1985 and Zurawski et al., "Continuously Proliferating Human Cell Lines Synthesizing Antibody of Predetermining Specificity" in Monoclonal Antibodies (Plenum Press, New York 1980), also incorporated by reference.

Active antibody fragments can be derived from the monoclonal antibodies disclosed herein by a number of techniques. For example, purified monoclonal antibodies can be cleaved with an enzyme such as pepsin, and then subjected to HPLC gel filtration. The appropriate fraction containing Fab, F(ab)₂, or Fv can then be collected and concentrated by membrane filtration or the like. For further description of general techniques for the isolation of active fragments, see for example, Khaw, et al., Vol. 23 J. Nucl. Med., pp. 1011-1019 (1982), incorporated by reference.

The antibodies and antibody fragments used herein can be labeled preferably with radioactive labels by a variety of techniques other than the above-described Baker et al. technique. For example, the biologically active molecules can also be labeled with a radionucleotide via conjugation with the cyclic anhydride of diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) or bromoacetyl aminobenzyl ethylamine diamine tetra-acidic acid (BABE). See Hnatowich et al., Vol. 220 Science, pp. 613-615 (1983) and Meares et al. (1984) Analytical Biochemistry, Vol. 142, pp. 68-78, incorporated by reference for further description of labeling techniques.

The instant invention also relates to a method for screening subjects for carcinoma. It includes subjecting a biological sample to at least one test selected from a plurality of tests, each of which is specific for a carcinoma cell. Useful biological samples include ascites fluid, whole blood, serum, bile, lymphoid tissue, or tumor tissue obtained from a subject afflicted with carcinoma. The method used to obtain these samples is dependent on the nature of the sample and would be known by a medical practitioner. Each test correlates the presence of a specific marker with the presence of a carcinoma cell, and in some instances, with a degree of differentiation of that cell.

The screening method of the present invention includes tests for tumor markers CEA, CA 19.9, NCA, AGP, CORA (U.S. patent Application Ser. No. 441,368), and the CC glycoprotein (U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,789), as well as any additional markers which indicate the presence of carcinoma, such as CRP or SAP. The tests may be performed in a sequential manner until the presence of at least one marker has been proven.

The tests performed may be assays, for example, to determine enzyme-linked activity, or may be immunoassays which utilize an antibody specific for a particular marker (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,933). For example, an antibody raised to a cancer marker can be adhered to an adsorbent via chemical modification and/or covalent linkage using a bifunctional cross-linking reagent.

This invention provides a convenient kit for screening biological samples for colorectal carcinoma. This kit includes antisera or purified Polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies specific for the 20 kD and 21 kD CBPs, and antibodies for at least one other tumor marker such as the CC glycoprotein, CORA, NCA, CA 19.9, CEA, AGP, SAP, or CRP. These antibodies can be prepared by methods well known to those skilled in the art (see description above). Of course this kit may contain antigen binding fragments of such antibodies such as Fv, Fab, or F(ab)₂ fragments obtained by known proteolytic cleavage or recombinant DNA techniques. Screening may be performed by any immunoassay procedures known in the art such as, for example, radioimmunoassay, Western blot analysis, or nitrocellulose "dot" analysis.

The following examples illustrate the best mode of making and practicing the present invention, but are not meant to limit the scope of the invention, since alternative methods may be used to obtain similar results.

EXAMPLE 1 Purification of CBPs

CBPs were isolated from ascites fluid from patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma using the following procedure. Exogenous CaCl₂ was added to human ascites fluid to give a final concentration of 5 mM. The ascites was then incubated with an anti-CEA monoclonal antibody (Hybritech, San Diego, Calif. coupled to an affinity gel (Affi-Gel 10; Bio-Rad). After an overnight incubation with agitation at 4° C., the immunoadsorbent plus ascites fluid was put onto a (Affigel 10, Biorad, Richmond, Calif.) column, and any unbound material allowed to flow into a waste tube. The column was washed with wash buffer containing calcium (0.1 M Tris, pH 7.4, 0.15 M NaCl, and 5 mM CaCl₂) to remove any unadsorbed molecules. CBP was eluted from the column using elution buffer containing EDTA (0.1 M Tris, pH 7.4, 0.15 M NaCl, 10 mM EDTA).

EXAMPLE 2 Analytical Methods A. HPLC

CBP extracted from human ascites fluid as described above was passed through a size exclusion column (GF-250, DuPont). The eluates were analyzed with the mobile phase (0.2 M sodium phosphate, pH 7.0, 0.005% sodium azide) at a flow rate of 1 ml/min and detection at 280 nm. The resulting elution profiles are shown in FIGS. 3A-3D. CBP migrates with CEA in the presence of calcium (FIG. 3C), while in the absence of calcium (presence of EDTA), it migrates as a separate peak (FIG. 3D).

B. Protein Sequencing

Samples were prepared for amino acid sequence analysis as follows. CBPs purified as described in EXAMPLE 1 were electrophoresed on an SDS-polyacrylamide gel (10-20% Mini-Gel, ISS, Newton, Mass.) according to the method of Laemmli (Nature (1970) 227:680-685). The proteins on the gel were then electrotransferred to an Immobilon ™P Transfer Membrane (Millipore) with transfer buffer (25 mM Tris, pH 8.3, 192 mM glycine, and 15% methanol v/v) according to the method of Towbin et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 76:4350-4354). After staining the membrane with Coomassie Blue, it was washed several times with distilled water to remove traces of transfer buffer. The photograph of the stained membrane is shown in FIG. 2. Two proteins are present having molecular weights of 21 kD and 20 kD.

A duplicate gel was stained with periodic acid-Schiff base reagent (PAS) according to the method of Barber et al. (Biochem. (1971) 10.4711). This procedure demonstrated that the 21 kD protein is glycosylated.

The CBP bands were excised from the gel and mechanically sequenced according to the method of Matsudaria (J. Biol. Chem. (1988) 262:10035-10038) using an Applied Biosystems 477A protein sequencer. The resulting sequence obtained from the 20 kD CBP is set forth in the Sequence Listing as SEQ ID NO: 4. The sequence obtained from the 21 kD CBP is shown in the Sequence Listing as SEQ ID NO: 2.

EXAMPLE 3 Binding Assays

Affinity purified CBP was tested for the ability to bind to CEA in the presence of calcium ions as follows. Varied amounts of CBP was mixed with 5-10 μl CEA (100 μg/ml) CEA in the presence of 5 mM CaCl₂. The sample was then run on an HPLC sizing column (DuPont GF-250), and the elution profile was recorded (FIG. 3C).

The appearance of a single peak with a retention time of about 8.5 min and the absence of a peak at about 9.4 min suggests the formation of a complex between CEA and CBP. In control experiments (FIG. 3D) where CEA and CBP were mixed in the absence of Ca²⁺ (EDTA added), two peaks with retention times similar to that of CEA (FIG. 3A) and that of CBP (FIG. 3B) were observed.

EXAMPLE 4 Isoelectric Focusing

The 20 kD CBP, the 21 kD CBP, CRP, and SAP were radioiodinated with ¹²⁵ I using the chloramine T procedure of Greenwood et al (Biochem. J. (1963) 89:114-123) to procure a specific activity of about 6-10 mCi/mg. Focusing was carried out in agarose gels essentially as described by Saravis et al (Immunol. Meth. (1979) 29:91-96). Radiolabelled protein was detected by audoradiography using Kodak X-OMAT film.

EXAMPLE 5 Assay for CEA

NUNC-Immuno Plates (Naperville, Ill.) were coated with 500 ng/well CEA mAb in carbonate buffer (0.05 of sodium carbonate, ph 9.6), and were incubated overnight (ON) at 4° C. The plates were washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) containing 1% (wt/vol) bovine serum albumin (BSA) and 0.5% (vol/vol) Tween 20 (PBS-BSA-TWEEN). They were then treated with 2% BSA in PBS for two hours at 4° C. to block any remaining sites on the Plate. Antigen and high CEA serum standards were diluted and added to the appropriate wells at 50 μl/well. The plates were incubated ON at 4° C., and then washed with PBS-BSA-TWEEN buffer. 50 μl/well biotin-labelled anti-CEA monoclonal antibody (lot no. E50713-103; 2.5 μg/ml) was added and incubated for 3 hours at 37° C. The plates are washed with PBS-BSA-TWEEN. Stepavidin peroxidase-conjugated horse radish peroxidase (HRP) was added (diluted according to the concentration of the lot), and the plate incubated for 1 hour at 37° C. The plates were then washed with PBS-BSA-TWEEN. They were developed with orthophenylenediamine (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) and read with a spectrophotometer at 495 nm.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

    __________________________________________________________________________     SEQUENCE LISTING                                                               (1) GENERAL INFORMATION:                                                       (iii) NUMBER OF SEQUENCES: 4                                                   (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:1:                                               (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 225 amino acids                                                    (B) TYPE: amino acid                                                           (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: protein                                                    (vii) FEATURE:                                                                 (A) NAME/KEY: Serum amyloid P component                                         (x) PUBLICATION INFORMATION:                                                  (A) AUTHORS: Mantzouranis, Evanelia C.                                         Dowton, S. Bruce                                                               Whitehead, Alexander S.                                                        Edge, Michael D.                                                               Bruns, Gail A. P.                                                              Colten, Harvey R.                                                              (B) TITLE: Human Serum Amyloid P Component                                      (C) JOURNAL: J. of Biological Chemistry                                       (D) VOLUME: 260                                                                (E) ISSUE: 12                                                                  (F) PAGES: 7752-56                                                             (G) DATE: 25 JUN 1985                                                          (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:1:                                        MetGluLysLeuLeuLeuCysPheLeuValLeu                                              510                                                                            T hrSerLeuSerHisAlaPheGlyGlnThrAsp                                             1520                                                                           MetSerArgLysAlaPheValPheProLysGlu                                              2530                                                                           SerAspThrSerTyrValSerLeuLysAla Pro                                             3540                                                                           LeuThrLysProLeuLysAlaPheThrValCys                                              455055                                                                         LeuHisPheTyrThrGluLeuSerSerThrArg                                              60 65                                                                          GlyTyrSerIlePheSerTyrAlaThrLysArg                                              7075                                                                           GlnAspAsnGluIleLeuIlePheTrpSerLys                                              8085                                                                           AspIleGlyTyrSerPhe ThrValGlyGlySer                                             9095                                                                           GluIleLeuPheGluValProGluValThrVal                                              100105110                                                                      AlaProValHisIleCysThrSerTrpGluSer                                               115120                                                                        AlaSerGlyIleValGluPheTrpValAspGly                                              125130                                                                         LysProArgValArgLysSerLeuLysLysGly                                              135140                                                                         TyrThrV alGlyAlaGluAlaSerIleIleLeu                                             145150                                                                         GlyGlnGluGlnAspSerPheGlyGlyAsnPhe                                              155160165                                                                      GluGlySerGlnSerLeuValGlyAspIleGly                                              170175                                                                         AsnValAsnMetTrpAspPheValLeuSerPro                                              180185                                                                         AspGluIleAsnThrIleTyrLeuGlyGlyPro                                              190 195                                                                        PheSerProAsnValLeuAsnTrpArgAlaLeu                                              200205                                                                         LysTyrGluValGlnGlyGluValPheThrLys                                              210215220                                                                      ProGlnLeuTrpPro                                                                 225                                                                           (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:2:                                               (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 40 amino acids                                                     (B) TYPE: amino acid                                                           (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: protein                                                    (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:2:                                        XaaThrAspLeuSerGlyLysValPheValPhePro                                           5 10                                                                           XaaGluSerValThrAspXaaValAsnLeuIleThr                                           1520                                                                           ProLeuGluLysProLeuGlnXaaPheThrXaaSer                                           253035                                                                         Xaa XaaAlaTyr                                                                  40                                                                             (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ NO:3:                                                  (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 223 amino acids                                                    (B) TYPE: amino acid                                                           (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: protein                                                    (vii) FEATURE:                                                                 (A) NAME: C-reactive protein                                                   (x) PUBLICATION INFORMATION:                                                   (A) AUTHORS: Lei, Ke-Jian                                                       Liu,Teresa                                                                    Zon,Gerald                                                                     Soravia,Emilia                                                                 Liu,Teh-Yung                                                                   Goldman,NeilD.                                                                 (B) TITLE: Genomic Sequence for Human                                           C-reactiveProtein                                                             (C) JOURNAL: J. of Biological Chemistry                                        (D) VOLUME: 260                                                                (E) ISSUE: 24                                                                  (F) PAGES: 13377-83                                                            (G) DATE: 25 OCT 1985                                                          (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:3:                                        MetAsnLysProLeuLeuTrpIleSerValLeu                                               510                                                                           ThrSerLeuLeuGluAlaPheAlaHisThrAsp                                              1520                                                                           LeuSerGlyLysValPheValPheProArgGlu                                              2530                                                                           SerValThr AspHisValAsnLeuIleThrPro                                             3540                                                                           LeuGluLysProLeuGlnAsnPheThrLeuCys                                              455055                                                                         PheArgAlaTyrSerAspLeuSerArgAlaTyr                                               6065                                                                          SerLeuPheSerTyrAsnThrGlnGlyArgAsp                                              7075                                                                           AsnGluLeuLeuValTyrLysGluArgValGly                                              8085                                                                           GluTyrSerLeuTyrIleGlyArgHisLysVal                                              9095                                                                           ThrSerLysValIleGluLysPheProAlaPro                                              100105110                                                                      ValHisIleCysValSerTrpGlu SerSerSer                                             115120                                                                         GlyIleAlaGluPheTrpIleAsnGlyThrPro                                              125130                                                                         LeuValLysLysGlyLeuArgGlnGlyTyrPhe                                              135 140                                                                        ValGluAlaGlnProLysIleValLeuGlnGly                                              145150                                                                         GluGlnAspSerTyrGlyGlyLysPheAspArg                                              155160165                                                                      SerGlnSerPhe ValGlyGluIleGlyAspLeu                                             170175                                                                         TyrMetTrpAspSerValLeuProProGluAsn                                              180185                                                                         IleLeuSerAlaTyrGlnGlyThrProLeuPro                                               190195                                                                        AlaAsnIleLeuAspTrpGlnAlaLeuAsnTyr                                              200205                                                                         GluIleArgGlyTyrValIleIleLysProLeu                                              210215220                                                                      V alTrpVal                                                                     (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:4:                                               (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 16 amino acids                                                     (B) TYPE: amino acid                                                           (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: protein                                                    (vii) FEATURE:                                                                 (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:4:                                        PheGlyGlnThrLeuMetGlyGlyLysAlaPhe                                              5 10                                                                           ValPheProLysSer                                                                15                                                                             LeuThrLysProLeuLysAlaPheThrValCys                                              455055                                                                         LeuHisPheTyrThrGluL euSerSerThrArg                                             6065                                                                           GlyTyrSerIlePheSerTyrAlaThrLysArg                                              7075                                                                           GlnAspAsnGluIleLeuIlePheTrpSerLys                                              8 085                                                                          AspIleGlyTyrSerPheThrValGlyGlySer                                              9095                                                                           GluIleLeuPheGluValProGluValThrVal                                              100105110                                                                      AlaProVa lHisIleCysThrSerTrpGluSer                                             115120                                                                         AlaSerGlyIleValGluPheTrpValAspGly                                              125130                                                                         LysProArgValArgLysSerLeuLysLys Gly                                             135140                                                                         TyrThrValGlyAlaGluAlaSerIleIleLeu                                              145150                                                                         GlyGlnGluGlnAspSerPheGlyGlyAsnPhe                                              1551601 65                                                                     GluGlySerGlnSerLeuValGlyAspIleGly                                              170175                                                                         AsnValAsnMetTrpAspPheValLeuSerPro                                              180185                                                                         AspGluIleAsnThrIleT yrLeuGlyGlyPro                                             190195                                                                         PheSerProAsnValLeuAsnTrpArgAlaLeu                                              200205                                                                         LysTyrGluValGlnGlyGluValPheThrLys                                              210215 220                                                                     ProGlnLeuTrpPro                                                                225                                                                            (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:2:                                               (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 40 amino acids                                                     (B) TYPE: amino acid                                                           (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: protein                                                    (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:2:                                        XaaThrAsp LeuSerGlyLysValPheValPhePro                                          510                                                                            XaaGluSerValThrAspXaaValAsnLeuIleThr                                           1520                                                                           ProLeuGluLysProLeuGlnXaaPheT hrXaaSer                                          253035                                                                         XaaXaaAlaTyr                                                                   40                                                                             (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:3:                                               (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 223 amino acids                                                    (B) TYPE: amino acid                                                           (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: protein                                                    (vii) FEATURE:                                                                  (A) NAME/KEY: C-reactive protein                                              (x) PUBLICATION INFORMATION:                                                   (A) AUTHORS: Lei, Ke- Jian                                                     Liu, Teresa                                                                    Zon, Gerald                                                                    Soravia, Emilia                                                                Liu, Teh- Yung                                                                 Goldman, Neil D.                                                                (B) TITLE: Genomic Sequence for Human                                         C-reactive Protein                                                             (C) JOURNAL: J. of Biological Chemistry                                        (D) VOLUME: 260                                                                (E) ISSUE: 24                                                                  (F) PAGES: 13377-83                                                            (G) DATE: 25 OCT 1985                                                          (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:3:                                        MetAsnLysProLeu LeuTrpIleSerValLeu                                             510                                                                            ThrSerLeuLeuGluAlaPheAlaHisThrAsp                                              1520                                                                           LeuSerGlyLysValPheValPheProArgGlu                                               2530                                                                          SerValThrAspHisValAsnLeuIleThrPro                                              3540                                                                           LeuGluLysProLeuGlnAsnPheThrLeuCys                                              455055                                                                         PheA rgAlaTyrSerAspLeuSerArgAlaTyr                                             6065                                                                           SerLeuPheSerTyrAsnThrGlnGlyArgAsp                                              7075                                                                           AsnGluLeuLeuValTyrLysGluArg ValGly                                             8085                                                                           GluTyrSerLeuTyrIleGlyArgHisLysVal                                              9095                                                                           ThrSerLysValIleGluLysPheProAlaPro                                              100105 110                                                                     ValHisIleCysValSerTrpGluSerSerSer                                              115120                                                                         GlyIleAlaGluPheTrpIleAsnGlyThrPro                                              125130                                                                         LeuValLysLysGlyLeuArgGlnGlyTyrPhe                                              135140                                                                         ValGluAlaGlnProLysIleValLeuGlnGly                                              145150                                                                         GluGlnAspSerTyrGlyGlyLysPheAspArg                                               155160165                                                                     SerGlnSerPheValGlyGluIleGlyAspLeu                                              170175                                                                         TyrMetTrpAspSerValLeuProProGluAsn                                              180 185                                                                        IleLeuSerAlaTyrGlnGlyThrProLeuPro                                              190195                                                                         AlaAsnIleLeuAspTrpGlnAlaLeuAsnTyr                                              200205                                                                         GluIleArgGlyTyrValIleI leLysProLeu                                             210215220                                                                      ValTrpVal                                                                      (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:4:                                               (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 16 amino acids                                                     (B) TYPE: amino acid                                                           (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: protein                                                    (vii) FEATURE:                                                                 (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:4:                                         PheGlyGlnThrLeuMetGlyGlyLysAlaPhe                                             510                                                                            ValPheProLysSer                                                                15                                                                         

We claim:
 1. A method of isolating a Protein which binds carcinoembryonic antigen comprising the steps of:(a) providing a biological sample containing carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and a CEA-binding protein (CBP); (b) contacting said sample with a divalent cation at a concentration and for a time sufficient to enable the binding of said CBP to CEA, thereby forming a CBP-CEA conjugate; (c) contacting said sample with an adsorbent that binds CEA for a time sufficient to allow said conjugate to adsorb to said adsorbent; (d) removing portions of said sample which have not adsorbed to said adsorbent; (e) dissociating said CBP from said adsorbent-bound conjugate; and (f) collecting said dissociated CBP.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing step comprises obtaining a body sample from a subject afflicted with carcinoma.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein said providing step comprises obtaining a body sample selected from the group consisting of ascites fluid, whole blood, serum, bile, saliva, sputum, lymphoid tissue, and tumor tissue.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein said first contacting step (b) comprises contacting said sample with a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of Ca⁺², Zn⁺², and Mg⁺².
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said first contacting step comprises contacting said sample with a divalent cation such that said CBP binds to CEA present in said sample,said CBP comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in the Sequence Listing as SEQ ID [NO:2] NO:4.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein said first contacting step comprises contacting said sample with a divalent cation such that said CBP binds to CEA present in said sample,said CBP comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in the Sequence Listing as SEQ ID NO:2.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein said second contacting step (c) comprises contacting said sample with an immobilized adsorbent.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein said second contacting step (c) comprises contacting said sample with an immunoadsorbent comprising an antibody to CEA.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein said second contacting step (c) comprises contacting said sample with an immunoadsorbent comprising a monoclonal antibody to CEA.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein said dissociation step comprises contacting said adsorbent-bound conjugate with an agent that chelates said divalent cation.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein said dissociation step comprises contacting said adsorbent-bound conjugate with a chelating agent selected from the group consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and ethylene glycol-bis[β-aminoethyl ether]-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein said collecting step comprises executing a purification method selected from the group consisting of high pressure liquid chromatography, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, affinity chromatography, exclusion chromatography, ammonium sulfate precipitation, ultracentrifugation, isoelectric focusing, and combinations thereof. 